Patient Education and Preventive Dentistry Flashcards

Which fluoride concentration is found in most prescription-strength fluoride toothpastes recommended for high-caries-risk patients?

Answer: 5,000 ppm

Prescription fluoride toothpastes typically contain 5,000 ppm fluoride (1.1% sodium fluoride) for high-risk patients.

The Bass toothbrushing technique is most effective for removing plaque from which area?

Answer: Gingival sulcus and cervical third

The Bass technique uses a 45-degree angulation toward the gingival sulcus with short vibratory strokes to clean the sulcular area.

Which oral hygiene aid is MOST recommended for a patient with wide interproximal spaces and exposed root furcations?

Answer: Interdental brush

Interdental brushes are the most effective aid for cleaning wide spaces, exposed furcations, and around orthodontic appliances.

What is the recommended daily fluoride intake upper limit (tolerable upper intake) for adults to avoid chronic fluoride toxicity?

Answer: 10 mg/day

The tolerable upper intake level (UL) for fluoride in adults is 10 mg/day; chronic excess leads to skeletal fluorosis.

Primary prevention of dental caries is best achieved by:

Answer: Community water fluoridation and daily fluoride use

Primary prevention prevents disease before it occurs; community water fluoridation combined with fluoride toothpaste is the most cost-effective caries prevention strategy.

Which dietary sugar has the highest cariogenic potential due to its preferential use by Streptococcus mutans?

Answer: Sucrose

Sucrose is the most cariogenic sugar because S. mutans uses it to synthesize sticky glucan polymers and produces the most acid.